At any point in your touring of Paris, would you have paid 1 Euro to have received friendly directions/information?

What do you mean? I certainly would not pay for directions.

Just wondering. Certain times when I am walking around just totally lost or frustrated and wasting time it would be nice just to be set on the right path.

Huh? Why don't you ask for directions if you're lost. Get a map. Get a GPS.

This is one weird post.

That's why I have a map and/or guidebook (in my case, L'Indispensable's 5-euro map in pocket book format).

And a tongue in my head to ask people, who are often perfectly willing to help for free (probably much more so than if you were to wave a euro coin at them, which might make them think you were trying to pull something like the gold ring scam).

Plus, one is rarely that far from a public map of some sort, in a Metro station or at a Velib docking station,

I would run away from anybody charging me for directions.

If you are doing research around a potential commercial product, this is not a group likely to respond positively.

I was always wondering if you are doing research or trying to figure out a way to earn spare change in Paris.

No, I would not pay one euro because even if I really needed the advice, I wouldn't trust anyone who wanted me to pay them a euro for answering a question from someone who needs help on the street. In any case, I carry a map so I would never ask someone directions. I know some people can't read maps, I can. I know Paris really well, also, and lots of people ask me for directions, including locals (I'm not kidding). As for info? LIke what, the time of day?

no, wouldn't pay for any info from a stranger on the street

So then why do people pay for guided city tours?

Is there a difference?

Is there a difference between a stranger on the street charging for directions and taking a guided tour from a known reputable company? You have to ask? You can't differentiate between the two?

Now I know you're a troll.

No.

If you want a guide you pay for one.

If you just need directions (assuming you have tried yourself with a good map and guide book) - someone nearby is likely to answer a simple question.

If you think this is an employment opportunity - not for anyone over the age of about 10.

Willrino's only other topic activity was to top this old thread (October 2006), last seen in October 2007.

Not a positive or relevant topping for a newbie either.

Oh for pete's sake. Go away.

Here's what willrino topped earlier...

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ing-scam-1.cfm

Rue Sainte Honore has much better shopping than on the Champs.

Hi W,

I think that you will do better begging.